Mountaineering federation calls for investigation into removal of double-headed eagle from Korab

The Albanian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation has officially reacted following reports that the double-headed eagle symbol was removed from the summit of Korab. According to the federation, the symbol had been placed there by a team of Albanian mountaineers and was later removed by a group from North Macedonia.

In its statement, the federation emphasizes that the double-headed eagle represents the history, identity and national dignity of Albanians. For this reason, its removal is considered an affront to mutual respect and the principles of solidarity associated with the sport of mountaineering.

The federation has asked the Albanian authorities to investigate the circumstances of the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that the symbol is returned to the place where it had been installed.

Full statement:

“Sport should serve as a bridge between nations and as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation. The Albanian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation condemns the removal of the double-headed eagle by a group from North Macedonia. The symbol was placed on the summit of Korab by a team of Albanian mountaineers, in an incident reported on 29 September 2026.

The double-headed eagle carries important values for the identity, history and national dignity of Albanians. Its removal runs counter to the respect that should characterize relations between sporting communities and the spirit of solidarity conveyed by mountaineering.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia, published by MKD.mk and Skopje1.mk, the symbol had been placed on the other side of the summit of Korab, outside the territory of North Macedonia. This position makes an institutional clarification necessary regarding the manner of the intervention and the responsibilities involved.

The federation calls on the Albanian authorities to verify the case, identify those responsible and take the necessary steps to return the symbol, while respecting the law and territorial jurisdiction.

An appeal has also been addressed to mountaineering organizations in North Macedonia, which are being asked to distance themselves from such actions and help fully clarify the matter. Individual actions must not harm relations of friendship and cooperation between athletes and the communities of the two countries.

When mountaineers are in the mountains, they rely on one another regardless of nationality. Respect for national symbols and the dignity of every person is a fundamental part of this ethic.

The federation says it will continue to support sporting cooperation and good neighborly relations, while also calling for respect for Albanian identity and national symbols. Mountains should remain spaces that bring people together, while mutual respect should guide every relationship between them.”